Keith Urban Teams with Tamworth Festival for Rising Star Scholarship

Keith Urban has partnered with the Tamworth Country Music Festival for an initiative designed to support emerging Australian country music singers.

The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship will invite an artist to experience the industry in the world's country music capital, Nashville.

The scholarship winner will be provided unprecedented access to Nashville's music scene, including a chance to perform, write, meet industry personnel and have two days of recording time at Urban's studio, The Sound.

The winner will have all expenses covered, including flights and accommodation.

It is the latest effort from Urban to inspire and support developing artists. He said sometimes all a musician needs is "to be heard."

"Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I’m hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others," he said.

Urban's connection to the Tamworth Country Music Festival runs deep, from his early days busking to his Star Maker competition win at the age of 22. He has since won 15 Golden Guitar Awards, and earlier this year was presented with the Roll of Renown, for his “extraordinary creative contributions to the Australasian country music industry."

Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the festival, described him as the "living embodiment of the Tamworth Festival pathway to success."

"Whether it be as a busker on Peel St - the ‘boulevard of dreams’, working one of the venues, winning a talent search, or receiving a Golden Guitar, Tamworth offers every conceivable stepping stone to achieve within the industry," he said.

"It’s wonderful that Keith continues to recognise and support the industry that helped shape his career and we are so pleased to be partnering with him.”

Tamworth Music Country Festival will manage the selection process and provide support by facilitating industry meetings and performance opportunities. Applications will open in January 2026.